This excerpt is taken from Hafiz Shafiq ur Rehman Zahid's book "Allah Ke Pasandeeda Ayyam".
بسم اللہ الرحمٰن الرحيم
Allah Almighty has created all of us for His worship and has chosen certain seasons for it in which worship is more virtuous compared to other days, such as the blessed month of Ramadan, the Day of Arafah, the Night of Qadr, and the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, during which worship holds special merit.
These seasons of goodness from Allah, the Lord of Glory, are so that His servants consider these seasons of goodness as an opportunity and perform as many good deeds as possible in a short time to earn great reward. One of these blessed ten-day periods is the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is very blessed and honorable.
According to some scholars, the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are even superior to the last days of Ramadan, but unfortunately, most Muslims are unaware of these virtues and do not have the consciousness of them. Many do not even know when the month of Dhu al-Hijjah begins and what the value of deeds in this month is. Consequently, they waste these precious times of life which the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, called "the best days of the world." Surely, this is a matter of regret and great concern for us.
Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth and last lunar month of the Islamic year, meaning the month of Hajj.
❀ Reason for the Naming of the First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
Since Hajj can only be performed once a year and it is done in this month, it is called Dhu al-Hijjah.
❀ The Most Blessed Days
The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are the most blessed and virtuous days of the entire year. Their status and rank are very high, and there are numerous opportunities to earn good deeds during these days. The Quran and Sunnah provide all the evidence of their virtue.
① Allah Almighty Has Sworn by the First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
Allah Almighty said:
﴿وَالْفَجْرِ . وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ .﴾
By the dawn, and by the ten nights!
Reference: (89-Al-Fajr:1,2)
Most commentators say that these ten nights refer to the first ten nights of Dhu al-Hijjah, and this is the opinion of many of the Salaf and Khalaf.
② All Obligations of Hajj Are in the First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
According to most commentators, the Fajr prayer or Eid prayer of the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah is meant in Surah Al-Kawthar.
Allah Almighty said:
﴿فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ﴾
"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
Reference: (108-Al-Kawthar:2)
③ Completion of the Religion of Islam
On this day of Arafah in this ten-day period, Allah Almighty completed the religion of Islam and perfected His favor upon the Muslims. Allah Almighty said:
﴿الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا﴾
"Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." (Therefore, adhere to the prohibitions and obligations imposed upon you.)
Reference: (5-Al-Ma'idah:3)
From these statements, it is clear that the virtue of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is explicitly established from the Holy Quran.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has described the virtue and importance of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah in various hadiths and called these days "the best days of the world." Therefore, you ﷺ encouraged us to perform as many good deeds as possible during these days.
❀ The Best Days in the World
The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, every moment, minute, and second of them is extremely precious. These days are a special offer from Allah Almighty that is not available during the rest of the year. This is a vast field and golden time for competing in good deeds.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”إن أفضل أيام الدنيا أيام العشر“
"Among all the days of the world, the ten days (of Dhu al-Hijjah) are the best."
Reference: (Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib: 1150)
At another place, he said:
”ما من أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام يعني العشر، قالوا: يا رسول الله ولا الجهاد فى سبيل الله؟ قال: ولا الجهاد فى سبيل الله إلا رجل خرج بنفسه وماله فلم يرجع من ذلك بشيء“
"No good deed done in the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is more beloved to Allah than those days." The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked: O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad fi Sabilillah (striving in the way of Allah) done on other days? He (peace be upon him) replied: Not even Jihad fi Sabilillah done on other days, except for the person who goes out with his life and wealth in the way of Jihad and does not return, i.e., becomes a martyr.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 1727)
Important point:
Reflect on this hadith that who has such courage to sacrifice life, wealth, and everything in the way of Allah? Compared to that, how easy it is to take advantage of this special offer given by Allah and fill your desired goals through good deeds in the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
❀ The Day of Freedom from Hellfire Compared to Ordinary Days
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”ما من يوم أكثر من أن يعتق الله فيه عبدا من النار من يوم عرفة“
"There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 1348)
❀ The Best Day of the Year
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”إن أعظم الأيام عند الله تبارك وتعالى يوم النحر، ثم يوم القرن“
"The day most honored and respected by Allah is the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhu al-Hijjah), then the day of the 11th of Dhu al-Hijjah."
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 1765)
In another narration, he said:
”ما من عمل أزكى عند الله عز وجل ولا أعظم أجرا من خير يعمله فى عشر الأضحى“
"There is no deed more pure and rewarding in the sight of Allah Almighty during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah than righteous deeds."
Reference: (Sunan al-Darimi: 1815)
❀ Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him)
When you were asked whether the last ten days of Ramadan are more blessed or the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, you replied: The last ten nights of Ramadan are more virtuous than the first nights of Dhu al-Hijjah because they include Laylat al-Qadr, which is the master of all nights. And the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are more blessed than the last ten days of Ramadan because they include the Day of Arafah, which is the most virtuous and noble of all days.
Reference: (Majmu' al-Fatawa)
In any case, the virtues of the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are many. A Muslim should consider these blessed days as an opportunity, protect them from being wasted, and strive to excel in every small and big good deed during them according to their ability.
The virtues of the acts to be performed in the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah mentioned in the Holy Quran and authentic Ahadith are as follows:
① Renewal of Faith
Faith is the greatest wealth of this universe; no deed can replace it, and in this era of trials, we repeatedly need the renewal of faith.
Abu Umar and Sufyan bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with them, said:
”قلت: يا رسول الله، قل لي فى الإسلام قولا لا أسأل عنه أحدا غيرك؟ قال: قل آمنت بالله، ثم استقم“
I asked the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: Tell me something about Islam that I should not ask anyone else except you. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Say, I believe in Allah and then remain steadfast upon it."
The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, encompassed all the meanings and concepts of faith and Islam in these two comprehensive statements. He commanded the companion to renew faith with his tongue and heart, to persist in acts of obedience and compliance, to avoid disobedience and violation of Allah and His Messenger, and likewise to stay away from polytheism, disbelief, innovations, and superstitions.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 38)
② Drawing Nearness to Allah through Obligations
After Islam and faith, the greatest virtue is prayer, so we should first and foremost commit ourselves to the obligatory duties because it is a great means of attaining nearness to Allah.
In a Hadith Qudsi, it is stated:
”وما تقرب إلى عبدي بشيء أحب إلى مما افترضته عليه“
"And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the duties I have obligated upon him."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6502)
③ A House in Paradise through Twelve Sunnahs
Along with the obligatory prayers, one should also observe the Sunnahs. Because of this practice, Allah will build a house for you in Paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”من صلى فى يوم وليلة ثنتي عشرة ركعة بني له بيت فى الجنة: أربعا قبل الظهر، وركعتين بعدها، وركعتين بعد المغرب، وركعتين بعد العشاء وركعتين قبل صلاة الفجر“
"Whoever prays twelve rak'ahs (Sunnah) during the day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four rak'ahs before Dhuhr, two after it, two after Maghrib, two after Isha, and two before Fajr."
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 415)
④ Divine Love through Abundance of Nawafil
One should perform many voluntary prayers because through this act Allah will love you.
In a Hadith Qudsi, it is stated:
”وما يزال عبدي يتقرب إلى بالنوافل حتى أحبه“
"My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts of worship until I love him."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6502)
⑤ Performing Salat al-Ishraq
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”من صلى الغداة فى جماعة ثم قعد يذكر الله حتى تطلع الشمس، ثم صلى ركعتين كانت له كأجر حجة وعمرة تامة تامة تامة“
"Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation and then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, and then prays two rak'ahs of Ishraq prayer, will be recorded as having performed the reward of an accepted Hajj and Umrah." He (peace be upon him) mentioned this three times.
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 586)
6. Recitation of the Holy Quran
During the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, make abundant efforts to recite the Holy Quran and complete the entire Quran once or twice.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ﴾
"Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer."
⑦ Sending blessings and salutations upon the Merciful Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Recite blessings abundantly upon the Merciful Prophet ﷺ, especially on Fridays.
⋆ When blessings are recited once, Allah Almighty sends down ten mercies.
The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
”من صلى على واحدة صلى الله عليه بها عشرا“
“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah sends down ten mercies upon him.”
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 408)
⋆ When blessings are recited once, ten sins are forgiven and ten ranks are elevated.
The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
”من صلى على واحدة صلى الله عليه عشر صلوات وحط عنه عشر خطيئات ورفع عشر درجات“
“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah sends down ten mercies upon him, erases ten of his sins, and elevates him by ten ranks.”
Reference: (Sahih al-Jami’: 6359)
⋆ If blessings are recited abundantly, one is saved from troubles.
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 2457)
⑧ Do not cut hair, nails, etc.
If a person intends to offer a sacrifice and the month of Dhu al-Hijjah begins, then he should not cut his nails, hair, etc. until he has performed the sacrifice, because it is prohibited in the noble Hadith.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”من كان له ذبح يذبحه فإذا أهل هلال ذي الحجة فلا يأخذن من شعره ولا من أظفاره شيئا حتى يضحي“
”Whoever intends to offer a sacrifice and has the animal ready, then when the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah appears, he should not cut his hair or nails until he has offered the sacrifice.“
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 1977)
As for the matter that if a person does not have the means to offer a sacrifice and cuts his nails and hair on the day of sacrifice, he will receive the reward of sacrifice, this is not correct because its evidence is a weak narration in Sunan Abi Dawood which is not reliable.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 2789)
⑨ Performing Hajj and Umrah
Among all the good deeds performed in the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the best act is performing Hajj and Umrah, and its reward is Paradise. If a person is capable, he should perform Hajj at least once in his lifetime; otherwise, the foundation and structure of his Islam are weak, which can be harmed at any time.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما، والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة“
"An Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed in between, and an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1773)
In another place, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
”وأن الحج يهدم ما كان قبله“
"Indeed, Hajj erases the previous sins."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 121)
⑩ Fasting on the nine days of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) encouraged every good deed during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is evident that fasting is a great virtue, which the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) encouraged through his own practice, and its reward will be given by Allah Himself.
The hadith states:
”كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يصوم تسع ذي الحجة“
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah.”
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 2437)
⑪ Fasting on the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is a very blessed and virtuous day. On this day, all pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafat. For those who are not pilgrims, fasting on this day is Sunnah.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said:
”صيام يوم عرفة أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التى قبله والسنة التى بعده“
“Regarding the fast of the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 1162)
⑫ Performing the Eid Prayer
Every Muslim should themselves go to the Eidgah for the Eid prayer and Eid sermon, and similarly take their children and women of the household as well, because the Eid prayer is an outward symbol of Islam in which the attendance of every present Muslim is necessary.
❀ Women should also go to the Eidgah
It is narrated from Hazrat Umm Atiyah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded us that on both Eid days, we should bring women who are menstruating and those who observe purdah (i.e., all women) to the Eidgah so that they may participate in the prayer and supplication with the Muslims. However, menstruating women should not perform the prayer. I asked: O Messenger of Allah! What if one of us does not have a sheet? He (peace be upon him) said: Let her Muslim sister cover her with her sheet.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 344)
⑬ Sacrificing (Qurbani)
On that day, no deed is more beloved to Allah than sacrifice.
Sacrifice means an act performed for the pleasure of Allah, to earn reward and to attain closeness to His presence.
Allah Almighty said:
﴿قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ﴾
"Say, indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds."
Reference: (6-Al-An'am:162)
Allah Almighty said:
﴿فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ﴾
"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
Reference: (108-Al-Kawthar:2)
In these two verses, Allah Almighty has commanded sacrifice to be performed purely for the sake of attaining His pleasure.
⑭ Giving charity and alms
One of the encouraged deeds during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is giving charity and alms. The Quran and Sunnah have greatly emphasized and highlighted the virtue of this act.
Allah Almighty said:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَّا بَيْعٌ فِيهِ وَلَا خُلَّةٌ وَلَا شَفَاعَةٌ ۗ وَالْكَافِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ﴾
"O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth before the Day comes when there will be no exchange, nor friendship, nor intercession. And the disbelievers - they are the wrongdoers."
❀ Charity will extinguish the fire of the grave
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”إن الصدقة لتطفئ عن أهلها حر القبور، وإنما يستظل المؤمن يوم القيامة فى ظل صدقته“
"Indeed, charity extinguishes the heat of the graves. And the believer will be under the shade of his charity on the Day of Resurrection."
Reference: (As-Silsilah As-Saheehah by Al-Albani: 4384)
⑮ The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah and Tasbihat and Takbirat
In the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, it is encouraged to engage in abundant tasbih (glorification), tahleel (declaring the oneness of Allah), and frequent remembrance of Allah. This matter includes the imam, followers, men, women, young, old, city dwellers, and villagers alike.
Allah Almighty has said:
﴿وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ﴾
"And remember the name of Allah during the appointed days."
Reference: (22-Al-Hajj:28)
Some scholars have interpreted these appointed days as the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Reference: (Ruh al-Ma'ani: 17/145)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”ما من أيام أعظم عند الله ولا أحب إليه العمل فيهن من هذه الأيام العشر، فأكثروا فيهن من التهليل والتكبير والتحميد“
"There are no days more beloved and greater to Allah than the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, so increase in tahleel (La ilaha illallah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) abundantly during these ten days."
Reference: (Musnad Ahmad: 6154, Sheikh Al-Arna'oot said: authentic)
The pious predecessors used to pay great attention to righteous deeds during this ten-day period. As Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated, that Hazrat Umar used to loudly say takbeer in his tent in Mina, which the people in the mosque would hear and respond with takbeer, and the market people would also start saying takbeers until Mina echoed with takbeers.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari)
❀ When should the Takbeerat begin and end?
When should the Tasbeeh and Takbeerat begin and end during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah?
There are different opinions among scholars regarding this:
Hafiz Ibn Hajar Asqalani (may Allah have mercy on him) states:
According to the sayings of Hazrat Ali and Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with them), the most correct position is that the Takbeerat begin from the morning of the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah and continue until the Asr prayer of the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Reference: (Fath al-Bari: 2/595)
❀ Timings of the Takbeerat
There are no specific times or fixed numbers for saying the Takbeerat during these days.
According to Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him), it is a recommended act for every man and woman, healthy or sick, traveler or resident, to say the Takbeerat at all times.
Reference: (Fath al-Bari: 2/595)
Note: During these days, menstruating women will also say the Takbeerat and make supplications.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Two Eids: 971)
❀ Words of Tasbeeh and Takbeerat
① الله أكبر الله أكبر، اللهم أنت أعلى وأجل من أن تكون لك صاحبة أو يكون لك ولد أو يكون لك شريك فى الملك أو يكون لك ولي من الذل، وكبره تكبيرا، الله أكبر تكبيرا، اللهم اغفر لنا، اللهم ارحمنا
Reference: (Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi: 6282)
② الله أكبر كبيرا، الله أكبر كبيرا، الله أكبر، ولله الحمد
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 5646)
③ الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد، الله أكبر وأجل، الله أكبر على ما هدانا
Reference: (Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi: 6280)
❀ The four most beloved words to Allah Almighty
لا إلٰه إلا الله، وسبحان الله، والحمد لله، والله أكبر
Reference: (Musnad Ahmad: 20244)
Benefits:
➊ These words are a shield from Hell, a means of salvation, and a way to Paradise.
➋ These words shake off the sins of a believing servant just as leaves fall from a tree in autumn.
➌ These words fill the space between the earth and the heavens with reward and blessings.
➍ These glorifications mention the one who recites them around the Throne of Allah.
➎ With these glorifications, trees can be planted in Paradise.
➏ Abundance in remembrance and supplications brings the companionship of Allah Almighty.
Warning:
These Takbirs should not be recited collectively. This is because their loud recitation is neither transmitted from the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him, nor is there evidence of it from the practice of the pious predecessors. Rather, the Sunnah method is that each person individually recites the Takbirs abundantly.
⑯ Avoidance of Minor and Major Sins
A Muslim should avoid minor and major sins on ordinary days and months as well, especially in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is one of the sacred months. This ten-day period demands special care to avoid all kinds of minor and major sins.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ﴾
“The number of months with Allah is twelve in the Book of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. This is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them.”
Reference: (9-At-Tawbah:36)
Just as the reward for every good deed increases in the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, committing sins also becomes more severe and serious.
◈ In Tafsir al-Jalalayn it is stated:
“In these sacred months, the burden of sin increases further.”
Reference: (Tafsir al-Jalalayn p. 158)
Therefore, a Muslim should avoid all those sins and disobediences that cause the wrath, anger, or curse of Allah Almighty, such as: polytheism and disbelief, falling into innovations and superstitions, oppressing parents and relatives, unjustly killing the honor, wealth, or life of an orphan or poor person, usury, bribery, adultery, theft, deception, fraud, arrogance, envy, hatred and grudge, backbiting and gossip, lying, dancing and singing, immodesty and shamelessness, and committing such vile and satanic acts.
❀ Characteristics of the First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
Allah Almighty has given the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah a special status through various acts of worship. During this entire period, the most important deeds of Islam are performed and worship is arranged. Therefore, this month holds a distinguished importance in Islamic history, and due to certain unique features, its significance is greater than that of other months.
❀ First Characteristic (The Virtuous and Blessed Ten Days)
The first characteristic of these ten days is that the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are the "best of days," as testified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who strongly emphasized performing righteous deeds during them. Indeed, Allah Almighty has sworn by these days in the Holy Quran at one place. Allah’s swearing by these days is the greatest proof of their greatness and virtue. Therefore, we should consider these ten days a great opportunity and engage in abundant recitation of the Quran, remembrance (dhikr), righteous deeds, performing congregational prayers, giving charity and alms, and observing voluntary fasts.
❀ Second Feature (The Sacred Month)
The second feature of this ten-day period is that it falls within the sacred months (Dhu al-Qi'dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, Rajab). Respecting these sacred months is obligatory upon us, which is why fighting and bloodshed during them is strictly forbidden.
❀ Third Feature (The Ten Days of Hajj)
The third feature of this ten-day period is that it is the ten days of Hajj, one of the greatest pillars of Islam. Muslims from all over the world perform the great obligation of Hajj during these ten days.
The command of Allah Almighty is:
﴿الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ﴾
“The months of Hajj are well-known.”
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:197)
Shawwal and Dhu al-Qi'dah are for traveling to Hajj, and the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, from the 8th to the 13th, is for performing the rites of Hajj.
❀ Fourth Feature (Legitimacy of Absolute Takbirs)
According to the strongest opinion, the takbirs are recited from the morning of the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah until the Asr prayer of the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Reference: (Fath al-Bari: 2/595)
Note: There is no authentic and clear evidence to support reciting takbirs from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah.
❀ Fifth Feature (Day of Arafah)
The fifth characteristic of these ten days is that during these days is the Day of Arafah, which is the main day of Hajj, and on this day the greatest pillar of Hajj (standing at Arafah) is performed. This is the day on which Allah announces general forgiveness for the people of Arafat, and on this day He grants the greatest freedom from Hellfire to His servants. On this day, Satan is most distressed, and indeed all enemies of Allah are humiliated and disgraced. On this basis, it can be said that if none of the days of the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah had any virtue, then the Day of Arafah alone would be sufficient for the virtue of all these days.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”صيام يوم عرفة أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التى قبله والسنة التى بعده“
"I hope from Allah that fasting on the Day of Arafah will be an expiation for the sins of the previous year and the coming year."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 1162)
❀ Sixth characteristic (Sacrifice)
In the same first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the most important act of sacrifice is performed. Wealthy Muslims sincerely sacrifice their animals for the sake of Allah. This appears to be merely the act of slaughtering an animal’s throat, but in reality, it is the tradition of Ibrahim (peace be upon him), in which Muslims present the concept of sacrificing every valuable thing for the cause of Allah.
❀ Seventh Feature (Prohibition of Cutting Hair and Nails)
A person who intends to offer a sacrifice should not cut or shave the hair on his head, nor trim his mustache, nor shave the hair below the navel, nor cut or pluck the hair under the armpits, nor trim his nails after sighting the moon of Dhu al-Hijjah until he has performed the sacrifice. If he does cut hair or nails, he should frequently seek forgiveness. There is no expiation or penalty for this.
❀ Eighth Feature (Eid al-Adha)
In the same first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims celebrate their second major and important Eid, Eid al-Adha. Islam has given its followers two festivals of happiness in a year (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha).
❀ Ninth Virtue (The Gathering of the Foundations of Worship)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
The apparent reason for the distinction of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah from other tens is that in this ten-day period, the foundations of worship (pillars of Islam) such as prayer, fasting, charity, Hajj, and sacrifice are all gathered together; in other tens, it is impossible for these pillars of Islam to be gathered simultaneously.
Reference: (Fath al-Bari: 2/260)
Due to all these virtues, the importance and excellence of this ten-day period are multiplied.
❀ The Virtue of this Ten-Day Period According to the Pious Predecessors
Abu Uthman al-Hindi, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
The pious predecessors considered three tens to be very great:
① The first ten days of the sacred month of Muharram, ② The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, and ③ The last ten days of Ramadan.
Reference: (Al-Durr al-Manthur: 8/501)
❀ Hazrat Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, says:
“It was said among us, that is, the noble Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, that each day of this ten-day period is equal in virtue to a thousand days, while the day of Arafah (i.e., the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah) is equal to ten thousand days.”
Reference: (Shu'ab al-Iman: 3/358, Tarikh Ibn Asakir: 54/239)
❀ The Practice of Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair, may Allah have mercy on him, the Martyr
His practice was that when the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah began, he would exert such intense effort in worship that it seemed beyond human capacity, and he used to say: O people! Do not extinguish your lamp during these nights, meaning stay engaged in recitation and worship throughout the night.
Reference: (Seer A'lam al-Nubala: 4/326)
❀ Hazrat Hasan Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
"Every fast of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is equivalent to fasting two months."
Reference: (Al-Durr al-Manthur: 8/501)
② Muhammad bin Sirin and Imam Mujahid, may Allah have mercy on them, used to fast the nine days of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 2/300)
❀ Imam Awza'i, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
"The deeds done in the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are equivalent to those of a Mujahid fi Sabilillah (one who struggles in the way of Allah) who fasts during these days and worships at night, and thus becomes a martyr in the path of Allah."
Reference: (Shu'ab al-Iman: 3/355)
The pious predecessors used to frequently remember Allah during this ten-day period.
❀ Imam Mujahid, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, and Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, especially during the days of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, would go towards the market and loudly recite Takbeerat until people also started saying Takbeerat with them. Those two elders would go to the market solely for this purpose.
Reference: (Akhbar Makkah lil-Fakihi: 3/10)
❀ The practice of Imam Mujahid, may Allah have mercy on him
You disliked recitation during the Tawaf of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah and preferred only Tasbihat, Tahleelat, and Takbeerat in it.
Reference: (Akhbar Makkah lil-Fakihi: 1/225)
❀ The poor Abu Hurairah, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
I heard Mujahid say that when a man would raise the Takbeerat during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the people of the mosque would respond with such loud Takbeerat that their voices would reach the people of the valley, and then the people of Abtah would raise waves of voices as if the entire act was based on one man.
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/250)
❀ Thabit al-Banani, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
Even today, people in the markets of Makkah raise the Takbeerat during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Reference: (Akhbar Makkah lil-Fakihi: 3/10)
The practice of some esteemed hadith scholars was that as soon as the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah began, they would completely stop narrating weak hadiths in their lessons, even though it was mentioned along with these hadiths that they were weak. This was out of such respect for the sanctity of these days that they would not utter weak hadiths.
❀ Imam al-Barzali, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
"I asked Abu Zur'ah about the hadith of Ibn Abi Halah in which the condition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is described, but he refused to narrate that hadith to me, and said: 'There is speech in this hadith, so I do not consider it appropriate to narrate it.' Upon my insistence, he said: 'Postpone this question until after the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah have passed, because I dislike narrating such hadiths during this ten-day period.'"
Reference: (Sawalāt al-Barzali li Abi Zur'ah al-Razi: 2/550)
The attitude of some predecessors during these days was such that they would even stop teaching and instructing because some disputes or arguments would arise, and they would dedicate themselves solely to worship.
The pious predecessors used to perform the maximum good deeds in this ten-day period.
❀ Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair, may Allah have mercy on him
During these blessed days, he used to appear regularly and consistently on the pulpit from Dhuhr until Asr and would instruct people about the rulings of Hajj.
Reference: (Akhbar Makkah by Al-Fakihi: 3/60)
❀ Ibn Abi Mu'in, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
I saw Jabir bin Zaid and Aba Al-Aliyah, may Allah have mercy on them, performing Umrah during the ten days.
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/160)
❀ Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy on him, the famous historian
He used to observe I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and then spend the entire first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah in I'tikaf as well.
Reference: (Tazkirat al-Huffaz: 4/1332)
Keeping in mind the virtues, characteristics, deeds of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, and the eagerness of the pious predecessors for worship and obedience during this time, we too should consider these days as an opportunity, strive to perform as many good deeds as possible, and avoid unnecessary movements and actions during these blessed days, remaining engaged in the worship and obedience of Allah Almighty. Similarly, increase the recitation of the Holy Quran, the prescribed remembrances, tasbihat and takbirs, charity and alms, and other good deeds, and try to avoid sins as much as possible. Also, make an effort to observe additional voluntary fasts as much as possible. May Allah Almighty grant us all the ability to perform good deeds, Ameen.
كتبه
Reference: Hafiz Shafiq ur-Rahman Zahid
Dated 10 August 2017
7 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1438 AH
Thursday
